Defibrillation of cellulosic substrates by novel bio-based ionic liquids
New bio-based ionic liquids were developed as a greener and simple pathway for the activation of cellulosic substrates compatible with chemical modification (such as in situ polymerization). Preliminary experiments showed that these ionic liquids promote swelling/dispersing/defibrillation/partial dissolution of cellulose while retaining cellulose I crystalline structure after regeneration (full dissolution is not achieved). To get a […]
Cellulose-based organic solar cells via spray deposition
In this project, we use spray deposition to fabricate cellulose-based, flexible organic solar cells. We use TEMPO-cellulose nanofibrils (TEMPO-CNF) as sustainable substrate material, flexible silver- or copper-nanowires (AgNW-/CuNW) as electrode material, conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) as electron blocking layer, and a mixture of poly(3 hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methylester (PCBM) as […]
Bottom-up assembly of synthetic plant cells
Recently, isolated CNFs has been utilized as outer cell wall to assemble around micro containers (Paulraj, T. et al., Nat. Comm., 2020). In such an assembly termed as “plantosomes” or synthetic plant cell, the lipid growth was regulated by changes in the pH or ions, similar to what occurs in plant cells. This project focuses […]
Synthesis of chemicals from biomass residues for energy storage applications
The aim of my project is to create a scientific base for sustainable processes for using the waste-residue streams from pulp production more efficiently.
Upgrading recycled thermoplastics using cellulose oxalate for a more sustainable future
The absolute majority of plastic used today are fossil-based thermoplastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene. To an extent these plastics are recycled through mechanical recycling but the recycled plastic is mainly used for low-end, low quality products. This is due to decreased mechanical properties and due to that the recycled plastic often obtains a black […]
Nanolatexes for cellulose modification
Latex nanoparticles can be prepared via RAFT-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) in water. They are tailor-made and highly versatile nanoparticles that can be used for modification of cellulosic fibers due to their high affinity. Part of WWSC.
Latex polymer composites modified with nanocellulose
Characterization of paperboard for creasing and folding
To form a package with desired properties, paperboard is creased and folded. Creasing creates delamination cracks which during folding cause the plies to buckle and form a permanent corner. The delamination cracks facilitate folding but reduce the load-bearing capacity of the packaging. The processes must therefore be controlled. The result is affected both by the […]
Cuticle-inspired barriers for lignocellulose materials
We have created moisture-barrier films using the second most abundant C16 hydroxy fatty acid (Fig. 1)1. These are semicrystalline materials with different degrees of toughness. The material shows a high “apparent” hydrophobicity, as revealed by contact angle measurements (110-130°, much higher than for PLA). The reason is due to the rough surface that we create […]
Sustainable High Performance Polymers from Functional Building-Blocks Created in Water
The projects aim to develop new materials based on renewable resources. The synthetic strategy involved is highly modular. This modularity enables a plethora of monomeric building blocks in one step. The final materials originate from abundant, cheap, and renewable reactants, meaning that the developed material would apply to all applications, ranging from advanced biomedical applications […]
Theoretical study of lignin swelling in atomistic details
In this project vi use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate hygroscopic properties of various lignins. Our hope is that structure and dynamics on the atomistic level of details will complement existing macromechanical models. The goal is to test existing atomistic models of lignin subject to its interactions with water. The output of the project […]
Development of thermoplastic lignocellulose based materials
The aim of this project is to develop and increase the knowledge of thermoplastic materials from bleached pulp through minimal chemical modification.
